rural health

Lawmakers passed a bill that outlines how Wyoming will spend its $205 million in federal Rural Health Transformation funds. But the feds still need to OK it. Other bills meant to address rural healthcare challenges have also made it to the governor's desk.

The bill dictates how federal money can be used in the state and creates a perpetual fund. The legislature has also moved a bill that would change hospitals' ability to declare bankruptcy and one that requires hospitals to have a list of standard service charges.

According to Brain Chemistry Labs, the in-the-works test can identify an ALS patient with 97% accuracy. The next step is to get it validated by a clinically certified lab.

Wyoming’s first-year award will help sustain critical care access hospitals and labor and delivery services. Workforce development, chronic disease prevention, behavioral health, and innovative approaches to delivering care and handling payments will also be supported.

Premiums in Mountain West states among the highest

The state hopes to use federal Rural Health Transformation Program dollars to help recruit and retain more healthcare professionals. WWAMI’s TRUST training program could help.

The proposal includes creating financial incentives for critical access hospitals to have emergency and labor and delivery departments, expanding on behavioral telehealth and creating healthcare workforce scholarships, among others.

The state’s priorities include improving access to care, building up its health workforce, and using technology to improve chronic disease management and bring care closer to home.

The Wyoming Department of Health is going around the state asking for input on how to spend its share of the Rural Health Transformation Program.

This comes as the number of rural hospitals and OB/GYNs delivering babies is dwindling.